US-Kuwaiti journalist detained in Kuwait after social media posts, watchdog says
Kuwait Detains US-Kuwaiti Journalist Over Social Media Posts, Reports Say
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported that an American-Kuwaiti journalist has been held by Kuwaiti authorities following his remarks about videos and images depicting the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, who last appeared on 2 March, is reportedly facing accusations such as distributing misinformation, per the press freedom organization.
CPJ Criticizes Charges as Overly Broad
The CPJ stated that Shihab-Eldin’s detention involves “vague and overly broad accusations” commonly used to suppress independent reporting. It urged Kuwait to release him immediately and dismiss all charges. “Journalism is not a crime,” emphasized CPJ regional director Sara Qudah. “Shihab-Eldin’s case illustrates a wider trend of employing national security laws to limit public scrutiny and manage the narrative.”
“We call on Kuwait to release Ahmed Shihab-Eldin and drop all charges against him,” said CPJ regional director Sara Qudah.
According to the CPJ, the journalist had shared a verified video of a US F-15 jet crashing near Kuwait City and claimed to have photos of an American pilot who ejected into the al-Jahra region. Kuwaiti officials have not yet responded to the situation. However, the Gulf Arab states have previously detained individuals for disseminating footage of Iranian missile and drone strikes on their territory during the conflict.
Gulf States’ Actions in the Conflict
Kuwait’s military and health ministries reported that Iranian attacks had resulted in three civilian casualties, two soldiers, and two border guards. Additionally, six US service members were killed, and three American fighter jets were mistakenly shot down by Kuwait’s air defenses. The CPJ highlighted that Shihab-Eldin’s case aligns with the use of national security laws to target those questioning official narratives.
Casualties from Iranian Attacks
Kuwaiti authorities have documented Iranian missile and drone strikes that caused three civilian deaths, two military personnel, and two border guards. The country also reported six US service members killed and three fighter jets downed by its air defenses. These incidents have prompted stricter measures, with the interior ministry recently advising citizens to avoid spreading unverified content.
“Refain from spreading rumours or sharing unverified videos and images,” stated the Kuwaiti interior ministry. “Such actions are being closely monitored and dealt with firmly, with violators referred to the relevant authorities for legal action.”
The information ministry announced that individuals accused of violating media regulations and misleading the public have been sent to prosecutors. Last month, Kuwait’s emir issued a decree to “secure and protect the supreme interests of military entities,” which includes up to 10 years in prison for anyone spreading false information about the military to undermine public trust.
